- Sweet Sacrifice [Originally: To The Underworld We Go] -

Gritting his teeth, the Swedish man cursed under his breath about what he was going to do and revealed himself from his hiding place. Though he had a sword into it’s sheath -hanging loosely from his right arm- white darkness swirled around his left and a strange blade with sharp cross guards. With two long strides and a quick flash of wings, Berwald pressed the edge to the Brit’s chest. Uneasily, his right leather wing shot out, the hook at the very top -somewhat like a bat’s claws to cling to walls upside down- curled around the back of the man's neck. It pulled the Britian in, bringing him eye-to-eye with the Sweden.

“You do NOT harm the innocent without a price..” he snarled faintly and shoved the Brit far aside, the hook still curled around the neck. Making the shove a bit of a warning as it slipped off. Leaving a faint, yet bloody, cut up the neck.

Berwald quickly came to the angel’s side, wincing on the inside by the holy light that could easily burn him if she went straight into all of her holy grace. He didn’t want to take a chance at getting burned, in fact, he was angered that he had stepped in when he should be watching till everyone was weak enough for him to take control over. Picking up the angel’s body, the demon unfurled his wings and with a powerful push, catching wind and sending the pair back into the trees 'hide-and-seek' embrace.. It was quite careless mistake that he was performing, but Berwald knew he had to claim which side he was on right now.. Or he may be called a traitor or fought against.. Which would happen in the end anyway. Just not now.

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Ivan Braginski wrote:....I find it somewhat amusing how everyone just sort of ignored Russia's appearance.. xD

-le waits for someone to notice so I can respond- ._.

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Haha doing the same thing xDD waiting for someone to notice, find or just find a part to come in on...Hmmm Oh well i'll just reply now x3

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The young state saw that the Swedish demon had come out of nowhere and rescued the angel. She watched as they went into the forest to hide from the other demons. This was her chance to help heal Viorica. She ran in the direction they went to.

I need to help. I need to hurry and heal her before it's too late.

She grabbed the charm and used it as a compass to try and find the angel and demon. A holy thread helped pull her to the two and in their direction.

Francis gave a slight, thankful nod to the angel, however at her words, the Frenchman shifted slightly.

"..There is something on your mind? I would not reject you an answer if you have something to ask."

He looked a bit unsure for a moment, glancing aside to avert eyes with the angel. "Not exactly.." The Frenchman began, hesitant, although he knew that wasn't the truth. Too many questions buzzed about Francis' head ever sense this whole chaos began, and he knew it wouldn't end too soon. He sighed and gave a slight shrug, brushing a lock of hair out of his eyes. "Oui...I'm aware it's your job, to protect me and the allies..but do you have any idea of why Alfred is doing this?"

He felt it was a fairly stupid question at first, but shrugged it off and continued. "When I was with him, he said something about the allies, how he was here to protect them, if I'm correct. However, he seems to be recruiting them. I may be an ally, but I want nothing to do with him and his plans, mon dieu." Francis sighed, glancing back at the angel intently.

Putting the angel gently down on a bed of long grass, Berwald span around and a swirl of crimson appeared in his eyes. He could feel the tracking, but the Swedish man had no clue who it was, all he could do was look around with a twisted look on his face. A crease forming on his forehead, Sweden let out a hiss of distress, wishing this wasn’t so complicated.

“Mind telling me where you are at.. And who you are?” Berwald said slowly, sensing faintly that it wasn't a dark entity that was near..

This going to cost me my sanity if I keep being so on edge like this! Relax, Sweden.. Get a hold of yourself and show not the slightest fear.. Only threats.. He thought quietly to himself, his facial expressions going from tense to a malevolence scowl.

Actually, the distasteful scowl wasn’t only from his sudden lack of anger, but more of the disappoint that he was having.. The want to make sure that the demons didn’t tare the Russian limb from limb back there, to need to go back and wipe the smirk off their faces.. Anything. But Sweden right now just needed to settle down a bit, help out, and plan out a strategy. That was the proper thing to do.. Kind’ov.

Arthur turned to look at whos presence he felt and was suprised to see Sweden. He was startled slightly when the other pulled out the weapons. So, it was a fight he wanted then? So be it. Before Arthur had the chance to attack or defendhimself, he felt the claw like hook sink into the back of his neck.

“You do NOT harm the innocent without a price..”

The demon winced at the pain that surged down his neck and spine. He clenched his fists slightly and was greatly relieved that he was cast aside, but in a hasty manner. Getting up slolwly, he growled and gave the Swede a death glare before speaking. "YOU.RUINED.MY.UNIFORM." Arthur touched the back of his neck and cringed again before he licked the blood of his fingers. Sweden will pay for being a traitor, and making messing with him. He spread his wings and took off after the male, scanning the area for Berwald. "Come out, come out, wherever you are~" He growled, resting atop a tree branch as he tried to ignore the pulsing pain. "If you do not reveal yourself, I will burn this whole place down! I MEAN IT."

The young state soon made it to them and came bursting out of a rustle of trees as she stopped. She had finally made it to them as fast as she could.

"Don't haaah attack haah I'm unarmed haaah." It was hard for her to breath after running so hard. She then went straight to Viorica, her hands glowing with aura as she placed them over her wounds.

"Thank heavens I was still here when they attacked her. Now I can heal her before it's too late. Here."

As she used one hand to heal, she faced her other in front of him as the aura started to burn his wounds. This burning wasn't a painful burning though, it was a warm, gentle fire that was healing his wounds. As she healed the two she heard a familiar voice from the tree tops.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are~...grrr...If you do not reveal yourself, I will burn this whole place down! I MEAN IT."

"Ai wouldn't do such ting ef ai were you, Arthur." A sickly cheery voice spoke out from behind.

The unmistakable figure of the tall, silver-haired Soviet stepped out from behind a tree, and stood only a few paces away from his ally.

Despite the smile plastered across those pale features, Ivan was far from content. He had watched Berwald rescue the angel from her sure demise...yet that only meant he was not alone with the demons. However, anger had settled in the place of any fear the Russian might possess, leaving only room for irrational discomfort; Those amethyst irises bore a deadly flicker to them as they driled mercilessly into the demented gaze of the Demon's. He had to save his strength for Alfred... but why let Arthur burn down the forest?

"So et was you so sent dat fire, da?" Ivan mused casually. The heavy metal water pipe glinted from between both of his hands.

"Ai should have known. Dat was somewhat rude, Arthur..."

"Wha-?! AAAAAAHHHH!!!!"

The young state screamed a terrible cry as the black flames burned her hand and had caught on her sleeve. Ripping the burning sleeve off, she revealed her whole arm that now showed the pentacle mark on her arm. She bit her lip to calm herself down a bit more from the blood and burns that were on her arm. She continued to heal the Swedish demon as the black flames soon disappeared with nothing but a black burn mark, and a few black burnt scorn feathers remaining. Seeing as there was no body left, the girl's tears started to roll down her face. She knew that the black flames were not of her holy doing, but of another power. Maybe one that was inside her the whole time. There was nothing she could do, but hope for the best of her and that she was safe, wherever she was.

Francis sighed and gave an understanding nod, although he did feel just a faint, spark of interest lightning inside him at the angel's words.

"That demon is not Alfred. It may be possessing his body and mind, but deep down, I think the real Alfred is still there."
"If someone could get to him... I think he could stop this. He has the strength to save everyone, but he won't be able to unless we can reach the deepest parts of his heart and mind...to set him straight."

Francis paused before speaking, looking fairly thoughtful for a moment. "If Alfred is possessed in any way, freeing him from such evil will be beyond difficult, if even possible. The true Alfred would never be doing all of this intentionally, as we all would know. His kind heart's been corrupted."

The Frenchman believed just as much, that somewhere inside that hellish being, the Alfred everyone knew and loved, was still there. He hesitated for a second or two, then gave a glance at the Hungarian questioningly, continuing. "However, I see only one person that just may be able to get through to Alfred, if I'm correct."

_________________

-whistles- Currently assuming Hungary's still in the room X3 if I'm inncorrect, I'll gladly edit my post.

"And yet what country turns on and attacks his own people, hmn?" Ivan locked his gaze to Alfred's, yet kept a close watch on his every move...

The Soviet bit back an attempt to explain that his shooting was a mistake... that he was mislead into thinking that Ayaka and Hungary were in danger. True, the females were in danger, yet not in the way he had assumed.

Ah, jumping into conclusions... that was a weakness he had to work on.

But now, murky thoughts lurkedbehind that irritatingly cheery plastic smile, leaving no room for regret as the American began to approach him. Russia gripped the water pipe in his palms, preparing himself for attack. This was quite similar to the begining of the Cold War..... and that only provoked further irritation into the haze of unease.

Ivan saw the attack coming, yet had only enough time to raise his pipe and step one foot back to brace himself. Alfred collided into the cold metal held parallel to the ground, and with a faint grunt, Ivan held his ground at the impact. He still had the advantage of being larger and heavier than the American, yet he didn't want to rely on that just yet... who knew what power being a Demon gave Alfred...

With a light huff, the Russian pushed the long side of his pipe against Alfred's chest and shoved him roughly backwards before taking a step or two back.

"Alfred..." Ivan growled, his eyes flickered as the low, warning tone spoke, yet that smile still held...

Russian jumped forward with a sharp inhale as the wall of flames engulfled the ground around him. He cast a brief, almost shocked glance over his shoulder and at the hellfire. Well... so much for making a run for it...Ivan thought before turning his attention back toward the demon. One could clearly see the figh in those striking Russian eyes; a glare that screamed challenge was fixed firmly upon the American. Sure... Alfred might have the power to rip him apart with just a snap of his fingers now, but that doesn't mean that he will just take off an run. Well... running now appeared to be out of the question.

The corners of the Russian's lips twitched at Alfred's stunningly dark tone. Share the darkness with him? Heh... the Russian was already tired of the grim chaos already going on in his own lands.

"Ai prefer to deal with the business or plans of no one but my own, Jones." He responded with a dry smirk. "Ai'll join you when hell freezes over, you son of a bit---"

The final phrase was cut off by a mix of a grunt and a short yelp as Alfred attacked. Bursts of neon color against black shot in front of his eyes as their skulls cracked together; if Alfred hadn't been holding onto the pipe, Ivan would have stumbled backwards a step or two, dazed for but a second at the collision. He blinked back the flashes, yet didn't get a chance to fully recover or defend himself before he felt the nearly shattering blow to his jaw.

Usually such a blow would affect him little, if any, yet the punch struck by the demon caused him to loosen his grip on the cold bar of metal. The kick was the one that broke contact between metal and gloved Russian hands;

Ivan fell back into the ground with a grunt. Both the kick and the impact he fell on knocked the wind clean out of him. He gasped for breath for only a fraction of a second, stunned at the already-throbbing pain that was prodding at three parts of his body....already. What the hell was wrong with him?! the Russian never allowed his opponents to deliver the first blows... never.

The heat of the fire was the first thing that he detected after those two seconds of vulnerability on the ground. His senses screamed at him to get up and, like what a normal Russian would do, he obeyed that scream.

Ivan rose to his feet, away from the fire, and glared defiantly right back at Alfred. He rose a hand and gingerly touched the spot on his forehead where they clashed; yes... that was going to leave a mark. However, despite everything going on, a smile touched his lips, and Ivan giggled...

Giggled!

"Nyet, Alfred..." He stated flatly; his tone was far from humerous. The Soviet began to pace forward toward the Demon as if he were to be pacing to another human being. His eyes now blazed with both anger and hurt pride; pride that he was determined to mend. It was as though the Russian had his very own amethyst Hellfire burning in his eyes....

"De fun has yet to begin."

Without warning, Ivan shot forward and jumped forward the last few paces. Still in the air, he grabbed a hold of his water pipe again, and crashed his full, heavy weight into the American's smaller form. The impact of Ivan tackling the American down sent both of them crashing hard into the ground.

He didn't want to seriously harm the other... Russia was capable of inflicting tramautic injuries even to this demon, yet he was willing to do anything in his power to keep that out of the question.

However, he knew it would be rather difficult if it was his blood that Alfred wanted...

-Retarted noodle-wavey arms- Yaaaaaaaaa

-Le twitch- Too... many...attacks.... i would usually counterattack, but I'll feel like I'm god-modding -Flails.- Oh, well... I'll have Rusland take these lovely hits and the bite this time r'ound <3. You know he's still gunna win in bed.

Also... i have no idea how Ivan's last words are relevant to what's going on... but I just felt like he had to say something.. o~o Ignore meh ranting...

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Ivan had been looking to tackle the American to the ground to pin him there... yet his centered gravity had missed his aim and, to his dismay, he found himself bouncing off the American after he had shoved him to the ground. The Russian was just about to spring to his feet when he felt that hand grab his jaw.

Cold fire of amethyst locked still defiantly into those demonic orbs as he was forced back down, yet he couldn't hold back the pained wince that constricted his features as he felt the sting of Alfred's claws slice his cheek. Before he could react, he felt himself being yanked onto his feet and kicked back.

His body ached, yet the pain was easily drowned out with the irritation at Alfred's words. With a low growl, Ivan charged again, yet it was already too late; Alfred had the upper hand of the momentum. Russia came crashing to the ground once more and saw it was too late to shield his face from the upcoming blow. He shut his eyes and made a futile attempt to raise a hand to block the metal, yet he could help but bite down on his own cheek to hold down a shout of agony at the crack; he could have sworn he felt his cheekbone crack a little bit..

Once he felt Alfred get off him, the Russian rolled onto his side to hide the pained cringe that etched his bruising features. Struck by his own weapon? This was beyone humilliating... Russia's own blood trickled down his cheek and onto the ground, staining his usually pale skin with that looked like crimson tear streaks.

So he had underestimated this bastard... the ache in his jaw and the side of his face was throbbing too much to snap a witty comment. This clearly was not Alfred... His flesh, maybe, but Russia doubted that even the real Alfred with wings and horns could possess this much strength. This was far beyond he had expected....

With shakey arms, Ivan pushed his toreso up and off the ground, yet remained in that position with his head hanging low. His sides heaved as hollow breaths were drawn, yet Ivan watched Alfred from the corner of his eye from between the strands of silvery locks...

Without warning, the Russian kicked off the ground and lundged at Alfred. He jumped up again and twisted his body to the side until it was parallel to the ground. Still in mid-air, Ivan planted his feet together an brought his knees up almost to his chest and kicked out, slamming the bottom of his boots right smack hard into Alfred's face.

Before the demon had a chance to fall to the ground, Ivan landed on his feet and snatched out with his right hand and curled his fingers tightly around America's right wrist. With a rough jerk, the Russian pulled Alfred up and swung a well-aimed punch to the back of Alfred's right elbow with his left fist. A sickening snap was heard as the demon'd elbow snapped out of place. At the very next moment, Ivan jerked the dislocated elbow downwards, pulling America along with it, and jerked his own knee upward and hard under the other's ribs, before slamming his elbow right on the soft spot under Alfred's ear.

Ivan let go of Alfred's right arm and swung the hard tip of his boot into the fallen demon's stomach; He needed his pipe, yet he couldn't turn his back to this creature.... maybe if he can turn the tables, he could at least get in a position where he can make a grab at it without being mangled from behind. With narrowed eyes, the Soviet stepped on one of the American's wings, pinning it to the ground for good measures before lowering his head so that the other can hear him. This time, however, he kept his neck and face well out of reach.

"Alfred, or what ever you are, ai recomend you listen to me. We want our old Alfred back, and we are going to stop at noting until we get what we want..."

Nuuuu you're nowhere near god-modding, hun! Alfred is supposed to be stronger now that he's a demon, so you're fine. And don't worry... I get exited when I see fight replies from you... =3=

I've had people post replies literally like '*Bites and scraches ur eyes out and stabs with my claws and bites ur neck out and kills u* 'haha i win, bitch, ur dead.' " I'm not even exaggerating. x__x

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Something lurched inside of the Russian as Alfred locked that pained gaze into his. Usually he was quite immuned to such looks of agony -- enjoyed them, even --, yet inwardly, he could never really resist the genuine hurt expressions Alfred had given in the past.

Ivan cast a glance upwards for but a fraction of a second toward where his pipe was before shifting those amethyst gems back to the multi-colored orbs. He felt a brief pang of pity for the American.... what sort of torture was he put through to be broken into this....this... thing? Russia knew how hard-headed and stubborn Alfred was, so he assumed what ever torment he was forced through was a torment of a high level.

Ivan's eyes narrowed at the order Alfred growled at him, and leaned in ever so slightly. A faint crackling sound was emitted by the wing bones as they struggled in vain to hold against the Russian's heavy weight compressed under his boot.

"Keep away from de allies..." He whispered before casting a brief glance in Arthur's general direction. he was silent for a few short moments before adding; "...What's left of dem."

With that, he rose and slowly...ever so slowly... began to remove his boot from the Demon's wing, as if he was testing to see if the other will spring up and attack at the first moment.

Russia began to slowly back away from the demon and toward his pipe, keeping his gaze fixed on those brilliant orbs of color. His pipe had fallen under a large tree, and the Russian had to look away from the demon for a moment to pin-point it's location. Little did he know, however, how dangerous it really was to loose focus of Alfred at this given point. He had almost forgotten that Prussia and Arthur were also here...

He cast another brief glance at America before averting his gaze and lowering to retrieve his heavy metallic weapon.

At the sound of the Hawaiians scream, Berwald -in a single immortal speed- clasped a claw around the women’s mouth from the behind. Though panic did not cross his facial expression. The complete need to keep in the “Out Of Danger.. For Now” zone was very high..

Damn! She’s going to get us killed! Burned or not! Even a mortal can understand that Hell Fire is commonly ten times hotter then regular fire, but some pains come out.. Silent.. He thought quickly, leading her to the hidden shadows with the claw. Keeping even the mumbles nothing but silent airfilled whispers.

Sweden didn’t want to kill the woman.. Even though it did bring quite a joy to the demon nesting in his soul.. But he needed her quiet for a few moments! Where the angel had gone wasn’t in his knowledge, but at the looks and voices of things.. He didn’t have time to pitter-patter on the subjects.. In fact.. Sweden needed to think carefully of his next move. Though the pair was hidden, the scream gave a slight advantage to the other demon in the trees.. Berwald wanted out of the disadvantage soon.. And he knew how.

It could be a wrong thing or right thing, but he needed to quickly think of the things that could help. Berwald had no the slightest clue; how the strong the other demon was, how royally pissed he was for staining the coat with the demon’s own blood, and Berwald most certainly didn’t know how close he was. He did know that the Russian was in the middle of a battle with Alfred and that could come of an advantage of the Sweden.. Showing him that he had chosen to the wrong side and could now become a tratior at that results.. What Berwald wasn't completely sure on was how much time he had though..Yet, that was the key.. The want to be rushed.

“Ugh..” the Sweden growled under his breath lowly and then leaned down to whisper in the pained Hawaiians ear, “Listen to me carefully.. I want you to do exactly what I tell you to do.. If you do not, I will kill you in return that you will endanger the lives of others.. If you do, you may increase everyone’s chances.. Extremely the chances for a mortal such as yourself.. Do you agree to do as I say?”

Releasing up only the slightest, Berwald gave her enough space to faintly mumble and get a quick catch of breath..

Hopefully this works.. I need to get back to making sure no one pulls anything funny and effects the powers of fate.. No matter the “good” or “bad” side..

You know what...I'm about to give up on trying to do my thing but i'm changing how i wanted it....pardon my babbling. Also Sweden, i'm sorry if you hooked my mouth or what. i'm really sorry. ; A ; epic post man >

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The girl was burned a bit badly as blood dripped from her arm. She was panting from the scream and shock that she faced. It had died right after the demon had placed his claw over her mouth to keep her shut. Even though she did scream she didn't mean to. She was just surprised from the black flames that just suddenly came at her. Suddenly she felt the claw by her mouth but as he moved it away, her lip was bleeding a bit as well, from biting so hard on it. She then heard what the demon said.

“Listen to me carefully.. I want you to do exactly what I tell you to do.. If you do not, I will kill you in return that you will endanger the lives of others.. If you do, you may increase everyone’s chances.. Extremely the chances for a mortal such as yourself.. Do you agree to do as I say?”

Even though it seemed he hadn't noticed that she was a bit more abnormal than the normal moral, she smiled weakly giving a soft chuckle. She could tell by the way that he talked to her and her ability to connect with the psyche of other's, she knew what he was thinking about. She knew that from the damage from the flames, and the pentacle, she didn't have much power and time left. She looked at the demon with merciful eyes as there was frustration and anger on his face.

"Hehe...Have you noticed yet...? Hehe....Alright, I'll follow what you have in store for me, but..in return let me see my father just one last time after I've done what you've commanded of me.'

As she waited for her orders, she felt such sadness and hope inside her as she thought of how she was going to say goodbye to her father when he was in such a terrible state.

Why thank you.. Really tired -It's like 2am where I'm at- so please do excuse the pitaful one I just wrote.. But no, it wasn't anythign to harm her. Just covering her mouth.

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A faint smile surfaced to the lips of Berwald, remarking silently how interesting this woman was.. He Hadn’t really talked to many women in his life, so he really didn’t know much about them beside the strong willingness among them.. Each female had something that was different from the next, that was a fact among anyone, but females -together- each still had that one thing in common. It was the only thing that he knew after being slapped in the face.. Many times.. But the woman speaking was saying the most strange things. To him, it was almost a little distasteful on how she worded her statement. Then again.. Berwald was in danger for that one thing called 'lack of understanding.' A weakness.

Berwald listened carefully as he listened to her say, "Hehe...Have you noticed yet...? Hehe-”


Those words kept replaying in his head.. What was she talking about? Noticed what? She did have a healing gift, but anyone with a mind could perform a spell.. There must be something I’m missing.. I’ll see to it soon.. A spark of hope flickered, one that put faith in his chose to wait and it not be a mistake.. but he didn't know for sure to trust that.

Hearing her request at the end of her remark was all the more pensive for him. It even cause him to whisper in almost a hiss threw his teeth.. “Fine. If that is what it will take, fine. But if he touched you.. Your request will become just another speck of ash in my fire pit and I will step in without a single rebuttal or question.”

The feeling of reluctant to do her wish was unbelievably strong, but did he have a chose? This might get messy if he or anything was to be soiled among the works. Though some things can be reversed or for the better, it could also be negative or for the worst. Time to take chances.. Not like things were boring. No…in fact…Things were just getting interesting. Everywhere.

I'm sorry before you go on Sweden, did you mean "if he touches me?" Just want to know.

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She gave a little nod and chuckled seeing as how he had shown a bit of confusion by what she ment. She grabbed his claw away from her mouth and waited patiently for her orders.

Ivan could just feel his fingers brushing up against the metal of his weapon, yet little did he know that his one small mistake of looking away could just be the end of his life as he knew it...

Crack...

He uttered some sort of strangled, wheezing gasp as the wind was once again knocked out of him. A flash of light erupted in front of the Russian's eyes as his head hit hard back against the tree, yet no words can describe the bolt of pain that erupted through his back.

Ever since Ivan broke his back while jumping out of a fighter airplane without a parachute, his back had been weaker than what he'd like, and tended to get sore quicker than usual. If Ivan hadn't been a personification of a country, his back would have indeed broken again, or he would have at least been paralyzed. He wasn't paralyzed this time around, yet that impact sent an eruption of stunning agony up his spine. Ivan felt his limbs refusing to move on order... he had to get out of the American's grip, yet his body felt stiff and heavy...

The feeling of cold air touching his bare throat shocked the senses right back into Ivan, sending screams of warning right down to his very core. Without realizing it, the Russian tilted his chin down and gave a faint whimper as he clutched Alfred's shirt in futile attempt to pry him away. He froze, however, as he felt a cold, static shiver run down his body as the black nail traced across his throat.

No, not now.... Ivan gritted his teeth together and squirmed in attempt to get out of Alfred's grip. He felt so weak... so.. vulnerable. And now that Alfred was attacking a sensitive spot, Ivan felt as if he had swallowed a whole block of electrified ice.

Become one with me.... A shaky gasp escaped from Russia's parted lips at those words. The Bastard! Using his not only his own weapon against him... but now his words? Ivan's blood would have been boiling at a dangerous level right now if it weren’t from the piercing pain that throbbed from his back, or the tingling sensations coming from his sensitive throat.

A harsh, drawn-out shout burst painfully between Ivan's clenched teeth as America began to slowly...agonizingly... sink his claw into that one scar that he'd been hiding for so long.

Alfred was one of the only ones who really knew what that mark on his throat was and what it meant to the Soviet, and here he was, opening the old wound back up again... Demon Alfred or not, Ivan felt betrayed... more betrayed than what he has felt for as long as he can remember.

Ivan's blood boiled angrily. Tears of both fury, pain and frustration welled up under those tightly-closed eye lids. Aggravation welled up deep inside at his fruitless attempts at struggling; he hated feeling so weak.... so betrayed...

His body was numbing (not a good sign for someone with spine problems), He didn't realize his breathing became swift and heavy, but he could feel the warm blood run down his throat like bitter tears.

He could feel those fangs against his skin... his heart was racing, matching the swift rhythm of his labored breaths, he needed to get out, yet he couldn't bring himself to move...

Suddenly, The pain was quickly fogged over by a new, hellish fury as Alfred spoke those words again...

Become one with me...

With a sudden burst of daring energy, Ivan jerked his head downwards and cracked his forehead hard against America's temple.

"Poshyol ty', Svoloch'!" Ivan swore loudly toward Alfred before spitting in face.

He knew that that was a huge mistake... yet fury take taken the reins once more, leaving no room for good choices.